Although little systematic empirical research conclusively supports the contention that humor in, as, or with psychotherapy is beneficial, the past 15 years or so have witnessed a burgeoning advocacy of its use. Most of the literature advocating the use of humor as well as some of the research studies are briefly reviewed in this article. The latter are found wanting in terms of design, methodology, and definitive results. Employing a cognitive-behavioral or social learning model, we suggest a functional analysis to explore the complex nature of the interlacing components of the humor concept and experience as well as to expose the complicated mechanisms by which mirth may effect the significant ingredients of the psychotherapeutic process to produce positive change. Finally, specific humor strategies and techniques and their effects are briefly discussed. We conclude that deliberately bringing together humor and psychotherapy is not without its risks. As in the case of copulating porcupines, such a union, although potentially productive, should be consummated very carefully.
The authors examine occupational representativeness for its effect on prestige ratings. Compositions of occupational listings do not affect ratings. Career counseling implications are noted.
The use of humor in psychiatric care and treatment is examined within a life-span-development context, comparing its utility in late adolescence with that in early adulthood. The literature of the past two decades, based on careful experimental research as well as on more subjective clinical experience, tend to support the following conclusions: A well-developed sense of humor provides a beneficial ingredient to the patient's coping or adjustive ability. The salutary physiological effects of laughter are the same for adolescents and adults. In terms of psychosocial factors, individual rather than developmental stage differences in the patient's personality, psychopathology and humor preference will alter the effectiveness of humor application. According to a cognitive-behavioral analysis, the mechanism by which positive emotions (including laughter) operate to reduce or eliminate the undesirable negative emotions resides in the interplay of the physiological and psychological processes involved in the stress reaction and its management. Finally, to be optimally effective the psychiatrist should undertake formal training in the use of humor techniques comparable to the traditional training in the usual assessment and therapeutic procedures.
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